Mining apparatus



mmw

Filed Feb. 12

1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 W F b lmvem o zm'ma C. F. OSGOOD MINING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 12, 1932 Jufly 9, 1935.

July 9, 1935. c. F. OSGOOD MINING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 12

1952' 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 4w Wm W a w W ma 511 5:; av 32: w

July 9, 1935. c. F. OSGOOD ,9

MINING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 12, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 1M IZUQWZZW. 272014 5951 aggw Patented July 9, 1935 Charles Osgood, Claremont, N. H., assignor to Sullivan'Machinery Company, a corporation of Massachusetts ApplicationFebruary 12, -1932,*Scrial:No. 592,559

X 50 Claims. (Cl. 262-28) This invention relates tomining apparatus and more particularly to improvements in the cutting :mechanismzof an apparatus for mining'coal.

An ObjGCtaOf this inventionis to provide anrim- .provedcoalminingapparatus. Another object is to provide an improved adjustable kerf cutting .meehanism for such an apparatus. A further object is to provide an improved kerf cutting mechanism havingimproved adjustable supportingmeansior the kerf cutter whereby the latter may be positioned to cut 'kerfs in horizontal or :vertical-planes. Yet another object is to provide an iimproved adjustable kerf cutting mechanism whereby vertical kerfsmay be cut inthe coal face atany desired 'locationbetween the ribs and in qparallelhorizontalplanes. Still another object is :to provide an improved adjustable kerf cutter supporting structure mounted for universal tilting :movement whereby the 'kerf cuttenmay be tilted to change its angle in-a'ltitude, thereby "to accommodate itself toa rolling or pitching coal seam. Still another object ofthis invention is to "provide an improved coal mining apparatus 'hav ing an improved general arrangement and combination'ofparts. .These and other objects and advantages will, however, hereinafter more fully wappear'. 1

Inthe accompanying drawings there is shown (for purposes of illustration one form which the invention may assume in practice.

In thesedrawings:

Fig. l is a plan view of the illustrative embodirn'entof the improved mining-apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view 'ofthe apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3"is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken substantially'on line 33"of Fig. 2, certain partsbeingshownin plan and others broken away to facilitate illustration; g

Fig.4 is a central longitudinally extending vertical -sectional view taken substantially on line "4- 4 of Figs. land 3;

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view taken substantially'on line5'5 of Fig. .3;

r Fig. 6 is a'central longitudinal]y-extending ver tical sectional view "taken substantially onpline -6-6 of Figs. l and 'l; j

Fig. 7 is a' 'horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line Li of Figs 2 aud o;

Fig. 8 is a detail verticals-ectional view taken substantially on line 38 of Fig. 3 t A Fig. '9 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line .9-9 of Figs. 2 and 6';

Fig. '10 isatransverse vertical sectional view taken substantiallyon-line10-40 :of Fig. 1; and

"head 4 carrying a pivoted kerf cutter '5.

Fig. 11 is a horizontal sectional view illustrating detailsof the mechanism shown in Fig. 10. ..-In'this illustrative embodiment of the invention the improved coal mining apparatus-is of the combined horizontal and shear cutter, track supported and guided type and generally comprises a portable base, herein a wheeled truck I, having adjustably mountedthereon a turntable '2, the latter in turn having adjustably mounted thereon through an improved adjustable parallel 10 motion supporting structures a rotatable cutter The truck l comprises a truck frame (5 mounted on wheels 1' adapted to run along amine trackway '8. Arrangedion the truck frame atthe'rear of'the 15 turntableis the mechanism generally designated ilfor adjustingthe turntable andfor driving the truck wheelsto propel the apparatus along the mine trackway. A motor ill drives the mechanismfi, while a motor I I carried by andadjustable with the turntable 2 eifects drive of the mechanisms for. rotating the turntable, adjusting the supporting structure 3, rotating the cutter head 4 and. for actuating and swinging the 'kerf cutter 5 as hereinafter described.

In this improved construction'the turntable 2 comprises a turntable casting l2 having a depending annular flange l3 fitting the inner periphery of and journaled within an annular or ring-like supporting frame "I4,'the casting" l2 havim; a radial flange [5 overlyingthe upperedge of the annular frame 'as shown in Fig. 4. Pivotally mounted on the turntable on parallel vertically disposed hinge shafts 16, 16 is a pair of supporting arms or links H, 11 arranged in parallel relation and in turn hinged at their forward ends at it, IE to a frame or support 19 on which the cutter head 4 is rotatably supported. The motor ll, above referred to, is suspended beneath the turntable, and the power shaft "20 of this motor has fixed thereto a bevel pinion 21 meshingwith a'bevel gear 22 keyed to the lower end of a vertical shaft 23 suitably j our'naled'within the turntable casting as shown in Fig. 4. Keyed to the upper end of this shaft is a bevel gear 24 meshing with a bevel gear 25 keyed to the rearward end of a horizontal shaft 26 likewise suitably journale'd within the turntable casting. This horizontal shaft effects drive of the mechanisms for adjusting the parallel supporting arms, rotatprises a spur gear 2'! keyed'to the vertical shaft 23, and, as shown in Fig. 3, meshing with spur gears 28 and 29 arranged on parallel axes at 0pposite sides of the shaft 23. Rotatable with and driven by the spur gear 28 is a worm 36 meshing with a slow speed worm wheel 3|. This worm wheel is connectible by a usual multiple disc clutch 32 having any suitable type of operating means to a transverse shaft 33 likewise suitably journaled within the turntable casting. Fixed to this shaft is a worm 34 meshing with a worm wheel 35 suitably journaled within the turntable casting and keyed to a vertical shaft 36. This vertical shaft is connectible by a sliding clutch 31 to a spur gear 38 supported by the shaft and meshing with the teeth of a circular rack 39 formed on the inner periphery of the annular supporting frame I4; the gear 38, when released from the shaft 36, being freely rotatable on the shaft. Rotatable with and driven by the spur gear 29 is a worm 4D meshing with a fast speed worm wheel 4I having its teeth oppositely inclined from the teeth of the worm wheel 3I and operative, upon application of a multiple disc clutch 42, to effect drive of the shaft 33 at a fast speed in a direction opposite from the slow speed drive described above. It will thus be seen that when the clutch 31 is connected and. one or the other of the disc clutches 32, 42 is applied, the turntable 2 may be rotated relative to the annular supporting frame l4 to swing the cutting mechanism about the turntable axis at either a relatively high cutter positioning speed in one direction or at a relatively low cutting speed in the opposite direction.

If desired, the teeth of the worm gears 34, 35 may be self -locking to thereby lock automatically the turntable against rotation when the disc clutches 32, 42 are released. However, if desired, there may be provided a separate turntable lock comprising in the outer edge of the turntable casting a series of notches 43 with which cooperate a sliding locking bolt 44 mounted in the guideway formed on a bracket 45 secured to the annular supporting frame. The locking bolt, when in its inner position, projects within one of the notches 43 to lock the turntable 2 against rotation relative to the annular supporting frame. The turntable release clutch 31 comprises, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, clutch plungers 46 guided within slots 4'! formed in the shaft 36. Rotatably mounted within the shaft36 is a clutch operating shaft 48 having an operating handle 49, and formed on its lower end a pair of grooves 56. When the element 48 is in the position shown in Fig. 4, the clutch plungers are projected within notches 5| formed in the gear 38, thereby looking the gear to the shaft 36. When the element 48 is turned to bring the grooves 53 in registry with the slots 41, the clutch plungers are free to slide inwardly, thereby to release the gear 38 from the shaft 36. The clutch 31, when released, cuts loose, so to speak, the turntable from its rotating mechanism, thereby permitting the turntable to rotate freely relative to the annular supporting frame I4 for a purpose to be later described.

The parallel arms I1, I! form a parallel motion supporting structure for the cutter head 4 so that, when the arms are swung relative to the turntable, the cutter head is moved horizontally, while the head axis is always maintained parallel to a longitudinally extending vertical plane. The mechanism for swinging this arm structure comprises a worm 53'keyed to the horizontal shaft 26 and meshing with a worm wheel 54 connectible by a suitable multiple disc clutch 55 (see Fig. 8) to a transverse shaft 56 suitably journaled within the turntable casting. Keyed to the opposite ends of the shaft 56 are worms 51, 51 meshing with worm gear racks 58, 58 formed on the rear ends of the arms IT, IT respectively as shown in Fig. 3. It will thus be seen that, when the friction clutch 55 is applied, the parallel arms may be swung about their pivots relative to the turntable 2 through the connections 2|, 22, 24, 25, 53, 54 and 51 driven by the motor I I. The motor I I is of the reversible type and the arms may therefore be swung in either of opposite directions depending upon the direction of the motor rotation.

The mechanism for actuating the kerf cutter 5 will now be described. Keyed to the forward end of the shaft 26, as shown in Fig. 4, is a bevel gear 62 meshing with a bevel gear 63 journaled within the turntable casting upon a vertical axis lying midway between and in the same transverse vertical plane as the axes of the hinge shafts IS, 56. The gear 63 meshes with a bevel gear 64 keyed to a longitudinally extending shaft 65 arranged midway between and parallel with the arms I1, I1, and the rearward end of this shaft is journaled within a swiveled bearing block 66 arranged with its axis coincident with the axis of the bevel gear 63. The forward end of the shaft 65 is journaled within a swiveled bearing block 61 journaled on a vertical shaft 68 carried by the cutter head supporting frame I9, and keyed to the forward end of the shaft 65 is a bevel gear 69 meshing with a bevel gear 10 journaled within the frame I9 about a vertical axis coincident with the axis of the swiveled block 61. The bevel gear 16 meshes with a bevel gear 1| keyed to the rearward end of a horizontal shaft 12 and this shaft is journaled at its rearward end within the head supporting frame I9 and at its forward end within the frame T3 of the cutter head 4. This shaft '12 is arranged with its axis coincident with the cutter head axis and has keyed thereto, at its forward end, a bevel gear 14 meshing with a bevel gear 15 connectible by a sliding clutch 16 to a vertical shaft I7. Keyed to the outer end of the shaft 11 is a chain sprocket 18 which engages and drives the endless cutter chain 18 of the kerf cutter. It will thus be seen that the cutter chain 19 may be driven, due to the arrangement of the shafts 26, 65, I2 and the swiveled bearing blocks for the shaft 65, irrespective of the position of the cutter head and the adjustable supporting arms relative to the turntable. The cutter chain l8 may be disconnected from its drive at will simplyby releasing the clutch 16.

Now referring to the mechanism for effecting swinging of the kerf cutter 5 about its pivotal axis (1. e. the axis of the shaft TI) relative to the cutter head 4, it will be noted that rotatable with and driven by the bevel gear 15 is a shaft which in turn has fixed thereto and drives a bevel gear 8| constantly meshing with reversely rotatable bevel gears 82 and 83. These gears 82 and 83 are loosely journaled on a transverse shaft 84 in turn suitably journaled within the cutter head frame I3. The reverse bevels 82, 83 are selectively connectible to the shaft 84 by means of multiple disc clutches 85 and 86 respectively of a usual design operated by a suitable shipper mechanism 8! controlled by a handle 88. Connectible to the shaft 84 is a worm 89 meshing with a worm wheel 98 fixed to a shaft 9|, herein arranged parallel with the shaft 11 and likewise journaled in the cutter head frame. Also fixed to the shaft 9|, as shown in Fig. 9, is a spur pinion 32 meshing with the teeth of an internal gear 93, herein shaft I55 suitably journaled within the frame I35. -Keyed to the shaft I55 is a chain sprocket I56 which engages and drives an endless transmission chain I51. Idler sprockets I58 and I59 serve to guide the chain I5! relative to chain sprockets I60 rotatably mounted upon each of the screws I23 at its lower end, as shown in Fig. 5, and these sprockets are driven by the endless chain I51. As shown, these chain sprockets I60 have formed thereon clutch teeth IBI adapted to engage with similar teeth of clutch members I62 and each provided with a groove I63 in engagement with an arm I64 attached to vertical operating shafts I65. The shafts I55 extend through the top plate of the truck and are each provided with a conveniently located handle I66 by which the movement of the clutch members I62 may be controlled. It will thus be seen that, when all the clutches I62 are in a position to connect the chain sprockets I65 to the screws I23, the latter may be simultaneously rotated to move the turntable, together with the cutting mechanism supported thereby into different elevated positions relative to the truck. It will also be noted that by releasing certain of these clutches and connecting certain others, the screws may be rotated to effect universal tilting movement of the turntable relative to the truck to change the angle in altitude of the cutting mechanism.

The mode of operation of the improved mining apparatus will now be described. The apparatus is propelled along the mine trackway at a relatively high transport speed through the truck wheel driving gearing I32, I33, I46, I42 driven by the motor I6. When the working face is reached, the high truck wheel drive is disconnected from the motor by releasing the friction clutch I36 and the sliding clutch I4I. If it is desired to cut a horizontal kerf in the coal face in accordance with the well known arcwall method, the operator applies the friction clutch 42 of the fast speed turntable swinging mechanism, thereby causing the turntable 2, together with the cutting mechanism supported thereby, to be swung horizontally about the turntable axis at a cutter positioning speed from the central position shown in Fig. 1 to a position wherein the tip end of the kerf cutter is disposed adjacent the right hand rib of the entry. When the parts are thus disposed, the operator releases the friction clutch 42 of the turntable swinging mechanism and the turntable is then looked in position against movement relative to the truck. The jaw clutch I5 is then connected, thereby connecting the cutter chain in driving relation with the motor II. The pinion I4'I of the slow speed truck driving mechanism is then slid into meshing engagement with the gear I48, and, upon application of the friction clutch I36, the truck wheels are driven to propel the apparatus bodily in a forward direction along the mine trackway at a relatively slow cutting speed, thereby sumping the kerf cutter 5 within the coal. The friction clutch I36 is then released and the brake I38 set. The operator then applies the friction clutch 32 of the slow speed turntable swinging mechanism, and the turntable 2, together with the cutting mechanism supported thereby, is swung horizontally about the turntable axis ata sl-ow cutting speed to effect horizontal swinging movement of the kerf cutter in its plane transversely across the coal face to make a horizontal cut therein. After the tip end of the kerf cutter has reached the left hand rib and the swinging cut in the coal has been completed, the clutches 32 and the brake I38-are released, and, upon application of the friction clutch I36 of the truck wheel drive and thereversal of the motor III, the apparatus is propelled bodily rearwardly along the mine trackway at a. slow cutting speed to withdraw the kerf cutter from the coal. The kerf cutter 5 may be adjusted to cut kerfs in different horizontal planes by adjusting the elevation of the turntable 2 relative to the truck and by rotating the cutter head to position the kerf cutter above the head axis.

It will be noted that during the horizontal cutting operation described above, for instance, when it is desired to cut on a rolling or pitching coal seam, the cutting mechanism may be universally tilted to change its angle in altitude simply by disconnecting certain of the elevating screws I23 from the motor III while others are rotated, thereby causing the turntable 2 to be tilted relative to the horizontal. For instance, if it is desired to tilt the tip end of the kerf cutter downwardly, this may be accomplished by disconnecting the clutches for the front elevating screws, while the rear elevating screw is connected to the motor II], thereby causing the rear edge of the turntable to be elevated. Conversely, if it is desired to tilt the tip end of the kerf cutter upwardly, the rear elevating screw may be disconnected from the motor while the front elevating screws are rotated, thereby causing the forward edge of the turntable to be tilted up- Wardly.

A shear or vertical cut may be inserted in the coal face simply by applying one or the other of the reverse frictions 85, 86 of the head rotating mechanism, thereby rotating the cutter head about its axis to bring the kerf cutter 5 to a position to swing vertically. During the shearing operation the kerf cutter is first sumped in, then swung downwardly from its plane and thereafter withdrawn from the coal in a manner similar to that described above in connection with horizontal cutting in accordance with the arcwall method. If it is desired to cut vertical kerfs in different parallel planes between the ribs of the entry, this may be accomplished by applying the friction clutch 55 of the swinging mechanism for the arms II, I1 of the parallel motion structure to move the cutter head horizontally relative to the turntable, the arm structure maintaining the kerf cutter at all times parallel to a longitudinal vertical plane during such swinging movement. It will further be noted that by rotating the cutter head the kerf cutter may be moved through an arc of a circle to shearing positions at either side of the head axis.

When it is desired to insert a vertical or shearing cut in the mine wall when the apparatus is supported and guided by a curved trackway, the apparatus is operated in the following manner: With the kerf cutter 5 in shearing position, the turntable 2 is rotated to position the cutting mechanism laterally until the tip end of the kerf cutter engages the rib of the entry. The turntable is then locked against rotation and the kerf cutter is swung upwardly to a position adjacent the mine roof, When the parts are thus disposed, the apparatus is propelled along the mine trackway at a slow speed to cause the tip end of the kerf cutter to penetrate the coal. The turntable lock is then released and the turntable is permitted to rotate freely relative to the truck as the apparatus is propelled bodily along the mine trackway, and as a result, as the apparatus moves along the curved. trackway, the kerf is sumped ithin the coa n t m W k own o those skilled mule art, the, free rotation ofthe turntable relative, to the truck, as the latter moves along the trackway, preventingbinding or cramping of the kerf cutter inthe, kerf. 'I 'he kerf cutter is then swung about its pivot downwardly in its plane and thereafter withdrawn fromthe coal to complete the shearing cut. 3

As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved coal mining. apparatus is provided having an improved adjustable kerf cut: ting mechanism whereby vertical kerfs may be cut at any desired location between the ribs, and horizontal kerfs may be out in the coal face at diirerent elevations. It will also be evidentthat by the provision of the tilting turntable mounting for the kerf cutting mechanism, the lgerf cutter may be universally tilted to change its angle in altitude, thereby to accommodate it- Self to rolling or pitching coal seams. It will still further be noted that an improved coal mining apparatus is provided wherein the adjusting mechanism for the kert cutting mechanism is extremely flexible, it being possible to adjust the kerf cutting mechanism relative to the turntable or with the turntable relative to the truck, thereby to position the lgerf cutter into different parallel vertical planes. These and other uses and advantages of theimproved mining apparatus will becle arly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there is in this application specifically described one form which this invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustration and thatthe invention may h e-modified and embodied in various other forms witho'utdeparting from its spirit or thescope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: t

i I. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable on said base, a, rotatable cutter head carrying a Keri cutter and rotatable on itsaxis to eiTect bqdilyadjustment of the lgerf cu te nt f erent ut ner anes a t er adi u bl s or ing s u tur n e e in S id turntable and said cutter head for supporting the latter and for swinging the cutter head li'or'i aontally relative to the turntable while thela-t t emain sta on andwhile t e near ax s is always maintained parallel, to a common straight line. a

n a min p a a u a o ta l base a rotatable cutter head carrying a kerf cutter rotatable on its axis to effect bodily adjustment of the kerf cutter into different cutting planes,

a parallel motion supporting structure between Said base an it h a fer a u ting h l t ter horizontally relative to said base, and motor operated devices for adjusting said supporting structure and for rotating said cutter head relative to said supporting structure.

n ami n a pa a u a re a s-se a rotatable cutter head carryingapivoted lgeri cutter and rotatable on its axis-to effect bodily adjustment or the ,kerf cutter into different cut ti l s 8 m .i t on support tri ture between said base and cutter head for adjusting the latter horizontally relative to said base, and motor'operated devices for adjusting said supporting structure, torrotating said cutt head re a ,toiseid' u p in st uc r a d or win i said .ker ut r re at is .115 masthead ing of said arm structure horizontally. 7. In 'a mining apparatus, a portable base, a

In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a rotatable cutter head carrying afkerf cutter and rotatable on its axis'to effect bodily adjustment of the kerf cutterinto different cutting planes, a parallel motion supporting structure "between said base and'cutter head for adjusting thelatter' horizontally relative to saidbase while the head axis is always maintained parallel to a common straight line, and motor operated devices for adjustingsaid supporting structure relative to said base and for rotating said cutter head relative'to said supporting structure.

5. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a swingable arm structure overhangingsaid base and swingable horizontally relative theretof'a} cutter head rotatably mounted on the outer ex tremity-oi said arm structure and carrying a keri cutter and rotatable on its axis toe'fiect bodily adjustment of thekerf cutter into" different cutting planes, motor operated devices for swinging said arm structure and for rotating said cutter head, and mechanism for maintaining automatically the axis of said cutter head paral lel to a common straight line during swingingof said arm structure horizontally;

6. In a mining apparatus, apcrtable base, a

swingable arm'struc ture overhangingsaid base and 'swingable horizontally relative theretqya cutter head rotatably mounted on the outer ex tremity of said arm structure and carrying a pivoted kerf cutter and rotatable on'its axis to efiect bodily adjustment of the kerf cutter into dist ess cutting planes, motor operated devices for s. ng-

ing said arm structure, for rotating said head and for swinging said kerf cutter relative T to said" cutter head, and mechanism for mainjtaining automatically the axis of said cutter head parallel to a common straight line during swi gswingable arm structure overhanging said "base and swingable horizontally relative thcretofa cutter head rotatably mounted on'the outlerfex tremity" (if said am structureand carrying a 'kerf cutter "and rotatable on its axis to eifect bodily adjustment'of the kerf cutter into difiereu utt p an and moto er te devices for swinging said armstru'cture and for rotating said cutter head, said arm structure'being'swing able relative to'saidbas'e to move the cutter head into different horizontal positions relative to said base while thehead axis is always automatically maintained parallel toa. commonstraight lines 8. In a mining apparatus, aportable base carrying a turnta ble, a horizontalparallel motion supporting structure mounted in su enmpq' d relation on and overlying said base and table and at its forward extremity overhangling said base, said supporting structure swingalile horizontally relative to said base, and a keri jcut te ca ied on t ute verh n n ex remi of said supporting structure, said supporting structure being swingable horizontally relative to said .base tomove said kerf cutter into difierent horizontal positions relative to said base while i said kerf cutter isfalways maintainedxparallel 'turebein'g adjustable horizontally'relative to said parallel motion arm structure mounted on said base and extending forwardly in advance of the latter, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure for rotation relative thereto and carrying a kerf cutter bodily adjustable about the head axis, and a motor mounted on said base and relative to which said arm structure is adjustable for adjusting said arm structure horizontally relative to said base and motor while the latter remains stationary and for rotating said cutter head.

12. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a parallel motion arm structure mounted on said base and extending forwardly in advance of the latter, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure for rotation relative thereto and carrying a pivoted kerf cutter bodily adjustable about the head axis, and a motor mounted on said base and relative to which said arm structure is adjustable for adjusting said arm structure horizontally relative to said base and motor while the latter remains stationary, for rotating said cutter head and for swinging said kerf cutter relative to said cutter head.

13. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable mounted on said base, a parallel motion arm structure mounted on and overlying said turntable and extending forwardly in advance of said base, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure and carrying a kerf cutter, and a motor mounted on said turntable for rotating the latter and for swinging said arm structure relative to said turntable.

14. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable mounted on said base, a parallel motion arm structure mounted on and overlying said turntable and extending forwardly in advance of said base, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure and carrying a kerf cutter, and a motor mounted on said turntable for rotating the latter, for swinging said arm structure relative to said turntable and for rotating said cutter head.

15. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable mounted on said base, a parallel motion arm structure mounted on and overlying said turntable and extending forwardly in advance of said base, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure and carrying a kerf cutter, and a motor mounted on said turntable for rotating the latter, for swinging said arm structure relative to said turntable, for rotating said cutter head, and for swinging said kerf cutter relative to said cutter head.

16. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a supporting structure mounted on said base and swingable horizontally relative thereto, a cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said supporting structure and carrying a kerf cutter bodily adjustable about the head axis, and motor operated devices for swinging said supporting structure and for rotating said cutter head rela tive to said supporting structure, said supporting structure maintaining automatically the cutter head axis parallel to a common straight line during swinging of said supporting structure relative to said base.

17. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable mounted on said base, a supporting structure mounted on and overlying said turntable, a rotatable cutter head mounted on said supporting structure and carrying a kerf cutter, means for rotating said turntable to swing said supporting structure therewith to move the cutter head horizontally about the turntable axis relative to said base, and means for swinging said supporting structure relative to said turntable, said supporting structure maintaining automatically. the cutter head axis parallel to a common straight line during swinging of said supporting structure relative to said turntable.

18. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a turntable mounted for rotation on said base and for adjustment vertically relative thereto, a parallel arm structure mounted on and overlying said turntable, said arm structure swingable relative to said turntable, and a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure and carrying a kerf cutter.

19. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a rotatable turntable mounted on said base for universal tilting movement relative thereto, a parallel arm structure mounted on and overlying said turntable, said arm structure swingable horizontally relative to said turntable, and a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure and carrying a kerf cutter.

20. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a rotatable turntable mounted onsaid base for adjustment vertically and for universal tilting movement relative thereto, a parallel arm structure mounted on and overlying said turntable, said arm structure swingable horizontally relative to said turntable, and a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure and carrying a kerf cutter.

21. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a turntable mounted on said base for adjustment vertically relative thereto, an adjustable arm structure mounted on and overlying said turn-- table, said arm structure swingable horizontally relative to said turntable, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure and carrying a kerf cutter, and means for maintaining automatically the cutter head axis parallel to a common straight line during swinging adjustment of said arm structure horizontally relative to said turntable.

22. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a turntable mounted on said base for universal tilting movement relative thereto, an adjustable arm structure mounted on and overlying said turntable, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure and carrying a kerf cutter, and means for maintaining automatically the cutter head axis parallel to a common straight line during adjustment of. said arm structure relative to said turntable.

23. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a turntable mounted on said base for adjustment vertically and for universal tilting movement relative thereto, an adjustable arm structure mounted on and overlying said turntable, a rotatable cutter headmo'untedion theeouter extrema ity of: s'aidarm structure I and: carrying, a .kerf' cutter, and means for'maintaining: automatically the: cutter head axis parallel. to a" common straight lineduringzadjustmentof said arm: structure relative to. said turntable. I

24o Inwal mining: apparatus; a portable base,. a horizontal turntable mounted onisaid base for ro.- t'ation relative theretolabout. a normally vertical axis; arr arm-like frame structure: mountedlon. and overlying said turntable and-.atitsforward. extremity overhanging. said: base, said frame structure swingable horizontally: relative to said base'andswingable with orirelativeto saidlturntable, a support pivotally mounted; on the outer overhanging: extremity of said: frame structure to. swingrelativerthereto about an axis parallel: with. saidiframe structure axis, a kerf: cutter-pivotally. mounted on said support, and motor operated devices for simultaneously swinging said frame structure and support about'thein respective axes thereby to. maintain said; kerf cutter parallel to acommon straight line during. swinging of said frame? structure; relative :to' said turntable from one side of said base: toathe other;

'25; Inamining apparatus; a portablebase, a horizontal turntable mounted. on saidbasefor rotationabout a normally. vertical axis, an arm'- likeframe structure'mounted on and overlying said turntable andat its forwardextremity over hanging said base, said frame structure swingable horizontallt relative to said base and swingable withlor. relative to saidxturntable, a support pivotally mounted on :the outer overhanging extremity :3 of said frame structure to swing. relative thereto about anxaxis parallel with said framestructure axis; a cutter head rotatably mounted on said support, akerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head and rotatable with said head into different positions about the head .axis,.andmotor operated devices for simultaneously swinging said frame; structureand support about theirrespective axes thereby to maintain the cutter head axis parallelto a common straight line: during swinging of said frame structurerelative to said: turntablefrom one side of saidbase to: the other.

.26; Ina mining apparatus, a portable base, a' turntable mounted on said base for; adjustment in a vertical direction relative thereto, an: ad;- justable supporting structure mountedon and overlying said turntable, said. supporting. structure' including: a frame. swingab le. horizontallyi relative to xsaid turntable, .axrotatable cutter. head mounted on the outer extremityof. said;

J: supporting structure and carrying a. kerfl cutter and; rotatable on itsaxis to effect. bodily adjust:-. ment of .thekerfl cutter into different cutting;- planes, and .means. for maintaining automatiically the cutter head. axis parallel to acommon straight; line during: swinging adjustment of. said frame ofsaid supporting structure horizontally relative to. said turntable.

27. Ini a'mining apparatus, a-portable base, a turntable mounted'on'the base for tiltingmove- 11 ment relative to thehorizontal, an: adjustablesupporting structure mounted on and. overlying said-turntable, a; rotatable cutter headmounted on the outer extremity of said supporting structure and carryingga.kerf cutter, and means for maintaining automatically the cutterheadz axis parallel to acommon straight" line extending longitudinally; of the base duringradjustmentof.

said supporting, structure horizontally relative to; said turntable. l i

75.1,- 28i: In aa miningf, apparatus; a: portable base, a-x

turntable mountedon" the base for, .universal;'.

tilting movement relative to the horizontal, an adjustable supporting structure mounted on and overlying said turntable, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said supporting structure and carrying a kerf cutter, and means for maintaining automaticallythe cut.-

ter head axis parallel to a: common. straight line:

outer extremity ofsaid supporting structureand carrying a kerf cutter androtatable on its axis. to effect. bodily adjustment of the kerf cutter into diiferent cutting planes, and means for maintaining automatically the cutter headtaxis;

paralleli to a common straight line during*ad-* justment of said supporting structure horizontally relative to said turntable.

30. In a mining apparatus, a portable base; a. turntable mounted. on the base foradjustment in a vertical direction and for universal tilting:

movement relative thereto, an adjustable. sup-* porting structure mounted on and overlyingrsaid turntable, a rotatable cutter head mounted on. the outerextremity of said supportingistructure and carrying a kerf cuttenand means for main-* taining. automatically the cutter headaxisspar allel to a common straight line extending longitudinally of the base during adjustment of :said supporting structure horizontally relative to said turntable;

31. In a mining apparatus, a portablezbase;

kerf cutting. mechanism on said base including; a cutter head rotatable about an axisiextendingi longitudinallyof the base and a kerf: cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head for swing ing movement relative thereto, and means disposediati the top of and overlying said base a-nd movable across the top of the latter for-ad.- justing said cutter head in a direction horizons tally: rel-ative' to saidbase While the headaxis is always automatically maintained longitudinally of the base and always parallel to a common: straight line, said adjusting means including: a frame swingable horizontally relative to' said; base and adjustable angularly relative to the cutter head axis during swinging of said frame.

.32. In amining apparatus, a portable base,"- kerf cutting mechanism on said base including a.

cutter head rotatable about an axis extending.

longitudinally of the base, and a kerf cutter piv otally mounted on said cutter headfor swinging movement relative thereto, means for adjusting head in a direction-horizontally relative tosaid basewhilethe head axis is always automatically maintained longitudinally of the base and al ways" parallel to a common straight line;

33. In a mining apparatus, a portable base kerf cutting mechanism on. said base including a k'e'rf' cutter swingable in. a vertical planeex tending longitudinally of said base, and means disposed atuthe top of and'overlyingt saidbasa and" movable across thetop of the latter for swinging-,saidvkeri. cutter bodily in-a direction;

horizontally relative to said base while said kerf cutter is at all times automatically maintained longitudinally of said base and always parallel to a longitudinally extending vertical plane.

34. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable on said base, a rotatable cutter head carrying a kerf cutter and rotatable on its axis to effect bodily adjustment of the kerf cutter into different cutting planes, and an adjustable supporting structure intervening said turntable and said cutter head for supporting the latter and for adjusting the cutter head horizontally relative to the turntable while the latter remains stationary and while the head axis is always automatically maintained parallel to a common straight line, and a motor on said turntable relative to which said cutter head is adjustable for adjusting said cutter head horizontally relative to the turntable.

35. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a rotatable cutter head carrying a kerf cutter and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the base, a parallel motion supporting structure between said base and cutter head for effecting a parallel motion adjustment of the latter horizontally relative to said base, and motor operated devices for adjusting said supporting structure and for rotating said cutter head relative to said supporting structure and including a motor mounted on said base and relative to which said supporting structure is adjustable.

36. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a rotatable cutter head carrying a pivoted kerf cutter and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the base, a parallel motion supporting structure between said base and cutter head'ifor adjusting the latter horizontally relative to said base, and motor operated devices for adjusting said supporting structure, for rotating said cutter head relative to said supporting structure and for swinging said kerf cutter relative to said cutter head and including a motor mounted on said base and relative to which said supporting structure is adjustable.

3"]. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a rotatable cutter head carrying a kerf cutter and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the base, a parallel motion supporting structure between said base and cutter head for adjusting the latter horizontally relative to said base while the head axis is always maintained parallel to a common straight line, and motor operated devices for adjusting said supporting structure relative to said base and for rotating said cutter head relative to said supporting structure and including a motor mounted on said base and relative to which said supporting structure is adjustable.

38. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a

parallel motion arm structure mounted on and overlying said base, said arm structure at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a cutter head rotatably mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head, said arm structure being adjustable horizontally relative to the base to move the kerf cutter into different cutting positions relative to the base, and a motor on said base and relative to which said arm structure is adjustable for swinging said arm structure relative to said base and for rotating said cutter head.

39. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a parallel motion arm structure mounted on and overlying said base, said arm structure at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a cutter head rotatably mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head, said arm structure being adjustable horizontally relative to the base to move the kerf cutter into different cutting positions relative to the base, and a motor on said base and relative to which said arm structure is adjustable for swinging said arm structure relative to said base, for rotating said cutter head and for swinging said kerf cutter relative to said cutter head.

l0. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a rotatable cutter head carrying a kerf cutter and rotatable on its axis to efiect bodily adjustment of the kerf cutter into difierent cutting planes, a parallel motion supporting structure between said base and cutter head and including parallel motion elements swingable about parallel vertical axes for adjusting the cutter head horizontally relative to said base, and motor operated devices for adjusting said supporting structure and for rotating said cutter head relative to said supporting structure and including a motor mounted on said base and relative to which said supporting structure is adjustable.

41. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a rotatable cutter head carrying a pivoted kerf cutter, a parallel motion supporting structure between said base and cutter head and swingable horizontally about parallel vertical axes for adjusting the cutter head horizontally relative to said base, and motor operated devices for adjusting said supporting structure, for rotating said cutter head relative to said supporting structure independently of movement of the latter and for swinging said kerf cutter relative to said cutter head and including a motor mounted on said base and relative to which said supporting structure is adjustable.

42. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a parallel motion arm structure mounted on and overlying said base, said arm structure at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a cutter head rotatably mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head, said arm structure including arms adjustable horizontally relative to the base about parallel vertical axes to move the kerf cutter into different cutting positions relative to the base, and a motor on said base and relative to which said arm structure is adjustable for swinging said arm structure relative to said base and for rotating said cutter head.

43. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a parallel motion arm structure mounted on and overlying said base, said arm structure at its forward extremity overhanging said base, a cutter head rotatably mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head, said arm structure including arms adjustable horizontally about parallel vertical axes relative to the base to move the kerf cutter into diiferent cutting positions relative to the base, and a motor on said base and relative to which said arm structure is adjustable for swinging said arm structure relative to said base, for rotating said cutter head and for swinging said kerf cutter relative to said cutter head. I

44. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a turntable mounted on said base for adjustment vertically relative thereto, an adjustable arm structure mounted on and overlying said turntable, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure and carrying a kerf cutter, means for maintaining automatically the cutter head axis parallel to a common straight line during adjustment of said arm structure relative to said turntable, and a motor on said turntable for swinging said arm structure and for rotating said cutter head relative to said arm structure.

45. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a turntable mounted on said base for adjustment in a vertical direction relative thereto, an adjustable supporting structure mounted on and overlying said turntable, a rotatable cutter head mounted on the outer extremity of said supporting structure and carrying a kerf cutter, means for maintaining automatically the cutter head axis parallel to a common straight line during adjustment of said supporting structure horizontally relative to said turntable, and a motor on said turntable for swinging saidsupporting structure and forrotating said cutter head relative to saidsupporting structure.

46. In a mining apparatus, a portable-base, kerf cutting mechanism on said base including a cutter head rotatable aboutv an axis extending longitudinally of the base and a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head for swinging movement relative thereto, means for adjusting said cutter head in a direction horizontally relative to said base while the head axis is automatically maintained longitudinally of the base and always parallel to a common straight line, and a motor on said base relative to which said cutter head is horizontally adjustable for horizontally adjusting said cutter head and for rotating saidcutter head about its axis.

47. In a mining apparatus, a'portable base, a horizontal turntable thereon, an arm structure pivotally'mounted. on said turntable to swing horizontally relative thereto to move its outer extremity from one side of said base to the other, a support pivotally mounted on the outer extremity of said arm structure to swing relative thereto about an axis parallel with the pivotal axis of said arm structure, a cutter head rotatably mounted on said support about an axis extending longitudinally of the apparatus, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter head to swing relative thereto, means for swinging said arm structure relative to said turntable, and means for swinging said support relative to said arm structure.

48. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable thereon, an arm structure pivotally mounted on said turntable to swing horizontally relative thereto to move its outer extremity from one side of said base to the other, a support pivotally mounted on the outer ex- 1 tremity of said arm structure to swing relative arm structure relative to said turntable, and

means for simultaneously swinging said support relative to said arm structure for maintaining the head axis always parallel to a line extending longitudinally of the apparatus.

49.. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable thereon, a horizontal arm structure pivotally mounted on said turntable to swing horizontally relative thereto, said arm structure overlying said turntable and at its forward extremity overhanging said turntable and base, a cutter support pivotally mounted on the outer overhanging extremity of said arm structure to swing relative thereto about an axis parallel with the turntable axis, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter support to swing relative thereto, means for swinging said arm structure, and means for swinging said cutter support relative to said arm structure. I

50. In a mining apparatus, a portable base, a horizontal turntable thereon, an arm structure mounted on said turntable to swing horizontally relative thereto to move the outer end of said arm structure from one side of said base to the other, said arm structure making like angles with the median longitudinal line of the apparatus at the opposite extremes of such swinging movement, a cutter support pivotally mounted on the outer end of said arm structure to swing relative thereto about an axis parallel with the pivotal axis of said arm structure, a kerf cutter pivotally mounted on said cutter support to swing relative thereto about a horizontal axis in vertical planes extending longitudinally of the apparatus, and means for swinging said cutter support relative to said arm structure during swinging of the latter horizontally relative to the turntable thereby to always. maintain the kerf cutter parallel to aforesaid longitudinally extending vertical planes during swinging of said arm structure relative to said turntable.

CHARLES F. OSGOOD. 

